Super Bowl 58 ended with a tied score of 19-19 at the end of regulation. The league made changes to the overtime rules for the playoffs prior to the start of the 2022 season. Under the new rules, both teams now have an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime. Previously, the team that received the ball first could secure a touchdown on their initial possession and secure victory.
Before the start of the overtime period, a coin toss determined which team would have the first possession. The San Francisco 49ers won the coin toss and opted to receive the ball first. However, there are concerns among media members and league personnel that this decision was ill-advised. Furthermore, reports have emerged suggesting that some players on the 49ers were unaware of the revised overtime rules. This lack of awareness reflects poorly on head coach Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff.
According to Lindsay Jones of The Ringer, San Francisco’s players were not adequately informed about the new overtime rules. Defensive lineman Arik Armstead was the first player to acknowledge this, admitting that he only became aware of the new rules when they were displayed on the jumbotron during the Super Bowl. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk also confessed to being unaware of the team’s strategy. Juszczyk believed that the 49ers could secure victory by marching down the field and scoring a touchdown.
The admission of two players on the 49ers roster, Armstead and Juszczyk, that they were unfamiliar with the new overtime rules is a detrimental revelation for the team. This lack of knowledge reflects poorly on head coach Kyle Shanahan. It raises questions about how many other players on the 49ers were also uninformed. In contrast, the Kansas City Chiefs had prepared for these scenarios throughout the season, as safety Justin Reid revealed. The Chiefs had discussed and trained for such situations during their training camp.
The fact that some 49ers players were unaware of the new overtime playoff rules, while Andy Reid and the Chiefs had thoroughly discussed and planned for them, highlights a significant contrast in game management between Kyle Shanahan and Reid.
The Chiefs and the 49ers differ in this aspect. Andy Reid, an exceptional head coach, had his team well-prepared for this crucial moment throughout the entire season. The Chiefs were determined to kick the ball, regardless of winning the coin toss. Their strategy was to receive the ball second, allowing them to assess whether they needed a field goal or a touchdown to secure victory. Conversely, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers aimed to possess the ball third. They believed that both teams could potentially be limited to a field goal in the beginning of overtime. Subsequently, San Francisco could clinch the win with a field goal on their second possession.
Regrettably, the Niners were denied the opportunity to regain possession of the ball, resulting in their loss in the Super Bowl. San Francisco initiated a 13-play drive at the start of overtime, but only managed to secure three points. This placed the Chiefs in a favorable position. Although Kansas City would have settled for a field goal if necessary, it was clear that their intention was to score a touchdown on their first possession of overtime. And that is precisely what the Chiefs accomplished, ultimately becoming Super Bowl champions for the third time in the past five seasons.
According to the Source sportslens.com